How we care For your child Music therapy Music therapy is an established health profession which uses the medium of music, in a therapeutic relationship with your child. It helps to address individual physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Music therapy is based on the belief that we can all respond to and appreciate music, despite disability or illness. We provide music therapy to address this as well as organising group music-making sessions. Virtual Music Therapy through the pandemic Parents often tell us how important their child's music therapy sessions are to them, as we focus on what children are able to do, rather than what they can't do. This is so important for families who are used to hearing what their child can't do. Music therapy is a space where children can play, explore, interact and communicate in a way that's meaningful for them. This has been even more important during the pandemic and lockdown, when hospice families have been shielding. We began offering virtual sessions, where children can see their therapist on screen and interact musically with them. Both the music therapists and parents have been so delighted and surprised to see what is possible. Families have let us know that these virtual sessions give their child a routine, something to look forward to, and a space in the week where parents can just enjoy sharing music with their child. In one-to-one sessions our therapists use music and their voices to respond to the child at their level. Interactions are led by the child and during the sessions, the child has the freedom to express themselves in whatever way they can, with the therapists responding to any cues in a sensitive and validating manner. Music therapy is also available to young people with cancer and siblings of Haven House children, where song writing and composition can be used for self-expression and as a safe outlet to explore emotions. Music therapy gives us quality family time and is something we all look forward to each week. It’s fun and easy to be part of, yet so beneficial for Kai and we all gain a better understanding of each other. It’s a chance to learn and help Kai grow. William, aged 2, and mum Annie, often join our virtual 'Wriggles and Rhymes' music therapy group. It helped me too to break up the week and to have something to look forward to and kept us sane during the 6 months of lockdown! William's dad and I believe the music sessions have helped with William's development - increased his listening skills and body focus (he's learnt to touch his head when we ask him). Thank you so much for all your amazing work. Mum As so many children that use Haven House are at greater risk of complications due to COVID-19, many families are shielding at home. Families that already experience isolation are even more isolated than usual. Music therapy sessions, using Zoom means that children can continue their regular weekly therapy input at a time when they need it most, and when other support isn’t available. Roxanne Scott, Haven House’s Music Therapist Lead, said: The great thing about Zoom is that it’s a safe way of ensuring we can maintain the relationship we have with our children and families. It allows us to be there with them, to hear and see them whilst they can hear and see us. For more information please read our news article. Part funded by the Amy Winehouse FoundationRegistered Charity No. 1143740 (England & Wales) To find out more about music therapy please contact: Roxanne WaldronMusic Therapist020 8506 3765 Manage Cookie Preferences